Amp speaker wiring

I am adding an amp to Sony AVX 4000 (With RCA Output from head unit) Question is if run Amp Speaker out wires back to head unit and tie into the factory speaker wires, Can i just tap into them or do i have to terminate the speaker our wires from the head unit and then connect the amp speaker output to the speaker line.

Thanks.

 

Have to disconnect and terminate.

But if you're running aftermarket HU plus amp, if suggest running new wires.

 

Related question here:

I’m about to install two new front speakers and an amp. Already have an aftermarket JVC head unit. I want to connect all four speakers to amp. This is everything I got from crutchfield after talking to one of their advisors. https://www.crutchfield.com/cart/default.aspx

my question is do I need RCA cables? I have a 4 channel amp.

 

Yes, you need a 4-channel RCA cable to operate front and rear doors. btw, the cart shows as empty for me.

 

Thanks for the response. Just picked some up at a local audio shop. So all should be good now!

 

we can't see what's in your cart, as it's based on cookies saved to your local computer.

 

Ya seems to be a dead link, sorry bout that. I ended up getting the RCAs. Now I’m trying to decide if I should run speaker wire to the 4 speakers or run speed wire to the stereo.

 

run new wire from the amp to the speakers. otherwise you don't stand to gain as much from all your work

 

What’s the benefit of running speaker wire instead of speed wire?

 

speed wire is speaker wire. speaker wire only has 2 conductors. speed wire is going to have 4-8 conductors. there's no performance difference between the two. but it's not at all about the wiring used and everything to do with the implications of where you're going with the wire.

'running speaker wire to the 4 speakers' as you said implies you'll be replacing/running alongside the factory speaker wire. so you'll have a new and direct path from the amp to the speakers.

'running speed wire to the head unit' implies that you'll be connecting to the existing wiring behind the head unit to go to the 4 speakers, meaning you'll be re-using the factory wiring in the new amp setup. that is not something i would recommend. if you're going to go through the effort to add an amp, and add wiring, run directly to the speakers. this will ensure that your new wiring/speakers is getting the full advantage of your new setup that you've spent all sorts of time installing.

 

Got it. And should all the speaker wire be the same gauge? I would assume so. For some reason I have both 12 gauge and 16 gauge speaker wire. Or either gauge be fine?

 

technically either gauge is fine, but you should keep to one gauge for all of it. i generally prefer my amped installs to have 12gauge ran throughout

 

Ok got it. I’ll probably have more questions eventually. Thank you!